A senior journalist for Papua New Guinean daily The National was allegedly attacked by five correctional service officers in Port Moresby as she attempted to enter the facility to attend a media conference on February 27. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) strongly condemns the attack and urges the government and authorities to take concrete steps to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Journalist Rebecca Kuku was allegedly attacked by five correctional service officers in Port Moresby on February 27. Credit: X

Journalist Rebecca Kuku was allegedly verbally attacked, threatened, and punched from behind by prison correctional officers near the main gate of the Bomana Correctional Service facility. The attack on Kuku followed her recent reporting on human rights concerns in the facility after an attempted prison break by inmates on February 23 left nine detainees hospitalised with serious injuries. The Pacific Media Forum reported it had information that the attack was intentional and planned.

Concerns over conditions at the facility were raised by PNG's Prime Minister, James Marape, on the day of the attempted prison break after a confrontation occurred between inmates and correctional officers when 62 remandees were instructed to vacate their cells to allow for a contraband search, specifically for mobile phones. The confrontation broke out when inmates began protesting about belongings being allegedly confiscated or destroyed. The inmates were subsequently then allegedly brutally attacked with bush knife machetes, iron bars and other instruments. Seven of the nine hospitalised inmates have been discharged, while two others remain in critical condition for brain injuries and broken bones.

Acting Correctional Services Commissioner, Bernard Nepo, confirmed the incident, but later pointed blame at inmates, saying some took advantage of the situation to attempt to break out of the prison. The prime minister called for an independent investigation into the incident, which Kuku had reported on in The National on the day of the incident.

Following the attack on Kuku, the Acting Correctional Services Commissioner is said to have apologised to Kuku privately over Whatsapp, but also allegedly justified his officers' actions as defence for not having their side of the story told in her report.

Inmates at the Bomana Correctional Service facility have continued to raise concerns about the deteriorating conditions and treatment of prisoners due to a lack of health services being provided. Inmates were protesting the death of fellow prisoner Alex Nangoi earlier in February after he had allegedly been denied medical treatment.

Kuku is well known for her reportage and analysis of governance issues and gender-based violence stories in the country.

The IFJ said: "This is a shocking and disgraceful attack on a journalist who was reporting in the public interest. Violence and intimidation against journalists who are carrying out their professional responsibilities should not be tolerated in any circumstances. Any complaints on coverage should be put forward to the relevant media outlet and the country's media council to investigate."